People will have the chance to explore outer space and beyond as an annual festival returns for 2025.

The South Downs Dark Skies Festival is back and will run from Thursday, February 13 to Sunday, February 23.

This year’s theme is ‘Glimmers’ and will celebrate the sparkling lights of the stars, planets, meteors and moon in the night sky, the flashes of encounters with nocturnal wildlife, the bioluminescence of glow worms and biofluorescence of other life.

A South Downs spokesperson said: “This year’s Festival is also about becoming aware of the small, positive moments in our lives that don’t have to be big or dramatic but moments that encourage feelings of happiness, contentment, peace, joy, wonder and awe.”

There are events happening in Surrey and Hampshire and are free to take part in. A ‘Walk the Planets and Star Party’ will take place at The Queen Elizabeth Country Park (QECP), Horndean and the Alice Holt Forest, Farnham.

The party at Alice Holt will be on Tuesday, February 18 and QECP’s will take place on Thursday, February 20.

Both will feature an accessible trail to see the planets laid out to scale with an audio trail and stargazing. For QECP, stargazing will be guided by the Hampshire Astronomical Group and there will be crafting with Hampshire Bat Group.

Hot drinks and light snacks will be available at the visitor centres and people can meet owls with the Bird of Prey Hospital, have fun with VR headsets and games, and award-winning astrophotography.

Booking is required for the the night walk which runs for an hour, with more details are to come, so keep an eye on the website.

It is an event for the whole family and there is a full programme of other activities across the South Downs so don’t miss out!